GORSTRA RESEARCH GROUP

Mayan languages in Guatemala are at a critical crossroads, facing significant challenges from economic pressures, migration, and the dominance of Spanish. Despite the 1996 Peace Accords, which aimed to improve Indigenous rights, obstacles remain. This report by Research Analyst David Neef, MPA, MA offers a deep dive into the current state of Mayan languages, uncovering the historical suppression and the powerful role of digital initiatives and grassroots activism in revitalizing these endangered languages. Click here to read the most recent #gorstra report for the Latin America and Caribbean Desk: https://lnkd.in/eAACpZ2g #MayanLanguages #CulturalPreservation #Guatemala #HumanRights #IndigenousVoices #EndangeredLanguages #IndigenousLanguages #MayanCulture #IndigenousCommunities

The issue of blasphemy in Pakistan is a complex and systemic one. An inherited colonial law, altered to enshrine protections for Islam, has created an reactionary, politicised and sometimes deadly situation. Research analyst Anida Ramsamy explores this issue for the Asia-Pacific desk and identifies the key areas both Pakistan and the global community need to address to ensure key freedoms are protected for all. To read more, click here: https://lnkd.in/eFEz-8ZS #Pakistan #Freedomofreligion #blasphemy #humanrights

Transitional Justice in Iraq: The Impact of De-Baathification Twenty Years Later Read the most recent #GorStra report for the Middle East desk by analyst Aakil Visram. "The impact of de-Baathification heightened tensions within the Sunni community, which bore the brunt of job losses and civil rights restrictions. The law's implementation was susceptible to abuse, with individuals often falsely accused of Ba'athist affiliation for personal or political reasons. This politicisation fuelled widespread discontent among Sunni communities and contributed to the emergence of a Sunni/Ba'athist insurgency in 2003." #MiddleEast #Iraq #TransitionalJustice https://lnkd.in/eqVN9H_b

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam - Where to Next? Read the most recent #GorStra report by analyst Michael Gurney! "The construction of the GERD, which is expected to be completed by September of 2024 (although it has been producing electricity for some years now), has been marred by its political implications rather than engineering failures, giving little reason to cover the latter. The political timeline of the GERD, of far more relevance, began with a treaty between Britain and Egypt in 1929 - with a revision in 1959 - which entitled Sudan and Egypt to the entirety of the Nile’s water flow (Egypt gaining the far greater share of the flow), despite the fact that Ethiopia sources about 85% of the Nile’s water. Subsequent to the announcement of the GERD, a flurry of activity concerning the dam and its potential effects took place: studies were undertaken, expert panels formed, and negotiations conducted. However, little has materialised." #AfricaDesk #Ethiopia https://lnkd.in/dq3uFdud

Over 6.5 million Venezuelans have migrated to Latin America and the Caribbean, marking one of the world’s largest migration crises. Initially welcomed, countries like Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile are now tightening their stances, creating significant challenges for the economic inclusion of Venezuelans. In her latest report, Research Analyst Geeta Gunjal delves into these shifts towards tougher immigration policies and the rise in xenophobia in the region. Click here to read the most recent #gorstra report for the Latin America and Caribbean Desk: https://lnkd.in/e9iWJSkW #HumanRights #Venezuela #Xenophobia #VenezuelanMigration #HumanitarianCrisis #RefugeeandMigrantCrisis #ImmigrationPolicy

Escalating Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon's Northwest and Southwest Regions Read the most recent Africa Desk report! https://lnkd.in/dnmS6k_7 "Since the start of the violent clashes, reports indicate killings, injuries, and violations of human rights have occurred at the hands of both the government forces and separatist groups. The government's response has been accused of being excessively forceful and abusive including unlawful killings, arbitrary detentions, and deliberately burning down villages where separatist fighters were supposedly present." #Cameroon #AfricaDesk #GorStra

India's recent General Election has shifted its political landscape in way that presents President Narendra Modi with his toughest challenges yet. Research analyst Sukhpal Garcha considers the potential obstacles on Modi's path and if his leadership can adapt to the challenges of coalition politics. To read more, click here: https://lnkd.in/eW_6WKuG #AsiaPacific #Modi #BJP #INDIA #Democracy #Opposition #India

From crackdowns on civic space to the persecution of religious institutions, the Ortega-Murillo regime's grip on power has sparked international concern. Countless lives have been lost, individuals harmed, and freedoms curtailed under their rule, with severe persecution of the Catholic Church and opposition. Senior Research Analyst Claudia Concha examines the regime's oppressive tactics and the complexities of Nicaragua's struggle for freedom and democratic governance. Click here to read the most recent #gorstra report for the Latin America and Caribbean Desk: https://lnkd.in/ebfEX2g2 #Nicaragua #HumanRights #Repression #OrtegaMurilloRegime #CivicSpace #FreedomOfSpeech #FreedomOfReligion #CatholicChurch #Protests

The relationship between Germany and Israel is shaped by the Holocaust, so how have the German state and its people responded to the Israel-Gaza conflict? Analyst Jiabin Zhang examines how Germany is trying to navigate its commitment to Israel alongside a growing unrest over the freedom to protest and academic free speech. Click here to read more: https://lnkd.in/eFxnshaG #IsraelGaza #Germany #FreedomofSpeech #FreedomtoProtest #Palestine

South Africa’s 2024 Elections: Democracy Speaks Read the most recent Africa Desk instalment on South Africa's 2024 general elections, written by director Caleigh P.! "Following South Africa’s pivotal 29 May elections, the African National Congress (ANC) lost its outright parliamentary majority for the first time in the nation’s 30-year democracy. This remains to be a historic and devastating blow to the party once led by Nelson Mandela. The ANC, under the current leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa, has remained the country’s leading party since the nation’s first democratic elections in 1994. This development poses a fundamental change to South Africa’s political landscape, forcing the ANC to share its power via the institution of a coalition government." #SouthAfrica #Elections https://lnkd.in/dY4Bcm-X